This group was one of the most closely watched at the tournament because the large majority of '92 birthdates here are going to be eligible for the NHL Draft for the first time this summer. While there weren't many future draft picks, and probably none that will go early in the draft, there were definitely a couple players the potential to hear their name called by an NHL team this summer.
Standard disclaimer: It's a big tournament and I'm sure I missed a few very good players.Nothing personal if you think I've missed a certain player. I'm just pointing out a few players I noticed.
You can view the list of '92 born prospects after the jump.
Mac Carruth-G-Wenatchee Wild(NAHL)(Minnesota-Duluth commit)-Voted top goalie of the tournament. Didn't see a lot of action whenever I watched him so it's tough to say too much.
Andy Huff-F-Traverse City Stars(NAHL)-Has five goals in his first six games. He's a natural goal-scoring power forward. With his size, if he puts up 40-50 goals this year, he cold be an NHL draft pick.
Jose Delgadillo-D-Milwaukee Jr. Admirals(U18)-Probably the top prospect in the NAPHL. He's drawn some WCHA interest already. More of an athlete than a hockey player at this point, but he's an amazing athlete. He could be an NHL draft pick this summer, because his upside is so high.
Tanner Kero-F-Marquette Rangers(NAHL)(Michigan Tech commit)-A very smooth skater with pretty good hands. He needs to add a lot of strength before he's ready for college hockey, but he's got a lot of talent.
Ryan Belonger-F-St. Louis Bandits(NAHL)-Really promising looking player. Once he adjusts to NAHL, he could score goals in bunches.
Alex Rigsby-G-Milwaukee Jr. Admirals(U18)(Wisconsin women's commit)-My first time seeing her play and she was every bit good as advertised. I have no idea how far she could go in the men's game-my guess is she could maybe make a USHL team a year or two from now if she weren't going to college-but she'll be an exceptional player in the women's game.
Brandon Omaleki-D-San Jose Jr. Sharks(U18)-Really solid defenseman. Maybe this year's version of Dan Senkbeil, who starred for the Sharks last year.
Dalton Spicer-D-Omaha Jr. Lancers(U18)-Very smooth skater. He attracted some WCHA interest at one point. He probably needs to fill out before he gets more serious looks, but he has nice upside.
Brett Meyers-F-Florida Panthers Alliance(U18)-Really impressed by how quick he was. Team struggled and he didn't put up a lot of points, but I thought he played well.
Mike Gunn-D-St. Louis Bandits(NAHL)(Michigan State)-Big guy that hasn't quite developed like hoped. Decent offense, but got beat a couple times defensively. Probably won't be ready for college next year.
Nicholas Paluch-F-Lansing Capitals(U18)-Really good offensive instincts.
Tyler Parker-F-Wenatchee Wild(NAHL)-Very talented kid. Really disappointing to see him playing here after signing to play in the WHL last year. He's playing in a feeder league with no where to get fed in to.
Michael Szamantula-F-Lansing Capitals(NAHL)-Very effective player.
Dane Ewald-D-Omaha Jr. Lancers(U18)-Another really smooth skating defenseman from Omaha.
Brooks Roth-D-Marquette Electricians(U18)-Not an amazing skater, but a pretty quiet defensive defenseman.